Method for the manufacturing of delmopinol

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a new process for producing 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol with the INN name Delmopinol. The invention also relates to three key intermediates 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene and 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new process for producing 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol with the INN name delmopinol. The invention also relates to three intermediates 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene and 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol for said process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The compound 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (CAS 79874-76-3) having the INN name delmopinol was disclosed for the first time by Ferrosan in EP0038785 and has the molecular structure depicted below.

Delmopinol is used in the treatment of gingivitis, prevention of plaque formation and for oral hygiene in general in humans. It is used as an active component in mouth wash liquids and toothpaste. It is also used in the maintenance of oral health in animals as described in WO 2007/099302.

Several methods for synthesis of delmopinol have been disclosed (e.g. WO 90/14342 and WO 2007/091009) and an industrially applicable method disclosed in WO 2007/057681. This latter discloses a process where delmopinol is obtained by reaction of oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine with a Grignard compound R₁MgX where X is a halogen selected from Cl, Br and I and R₁ is an alkyl or aryl moiety. WO 2007/057681 more specifically discloses the reaction of oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine with a Grignard reagent prepared from 1-halo-4-propylheptane (in particular 1-bromo-4-propylheptane), to obtain delmopinol.

WO 2007/057681 describes the preparation of 1-halo-4-propylheptane by halogenation of 4-propylheptan-1-ol. In particular it mentions the preparation of 1-bromo-4-propylheptane by treatment with aqueous hydrogen bromide. The preparation of 4-propylheptan-1-ol is obtained according to Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1966, 693, 90-98 describing the synthesis of 4-propylheptan-1-ol in four steps in 58% overall yield from ?-butyrolactone which is a controlled substance with use restrictions. In another process described in Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1965, 685, 89-96 4-propylheptan-1-ol is obtained from 4-propylhept-3-ene in a molar yield of only 15%. Biochemistry 2007, 46, 10365-10372 reports the preparation of 4-propylheptan-1-ol in three steps from 2-propyl-1-pentanol in 34% overall yield

The preparation of 4-propylheptan-1-ol using the methods described in the literature is not straightforward and is accomplished through multistep processes. All the methods suffer from low yield and/or high cost or use of materials which are not commercially available or the use of which is restricted with consequent impact on the overall cost of delmopinol.

Thus, there is a need within the field to find improved processes for producing delmopinol. In particular, there is a need for new methods that are safe and cost-effective and provides a high yield of delmopinol and are readily applicable on industrial scale.

It is thus within the scope of the present invention to provide a new method for the manufacturing of delmopinol. It is further scope to provide a method for the manufacturing of highly pure delmopinol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new process for producing delmopinol, 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol.

The process is briefly illustrated below.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to delmopinol directly obtained by the process described above.

The invention further relates to the intermediates 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene and 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol and their use in the manufacturing of delmopinol.

Definitions

Throughout the application, the term “delmopinol” is intended to include any form of the compound, such as the free base and pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Particular mention is made of the hydrochloride salt. The free base and pharmaceutically acceptable salts include anhydrous forms and solvated forms such as hydrates. The anhydrous forms and the solvates include amorphous and crystalline forms. The term “delmopinol” encompasses the racemate and the pure enantiomers and mixtures of the enantiomers in any ratio.

In the present context, the term “halo” indicates bromo or chloro or iodo. In a preferred embodiment, “halo” indicates chloro.

In the present context, the compound “1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene” indicates 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene or 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene or 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

In the present context, the term “C₁₋₄alkyl” indicates an alkyl selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 1-methylpropyl and 2-methylpropyl. In a preferred embodiment, “C₁₋₄alkyl” indicates methyl.

In the present context the term HX indicates a halogenhydric acid such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide or hydrogen iodide.

In the present context the term “purity” indicates the percentage by area of the product determined by a chromatographic method, such as gas liquid chromatography, GC.

In the present context the term “assay” indicates the percentage by weight of the product in a given mixture determined by e.g. potentiometric titration.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts in the present context is intended to indicate non-toxic, i.e. physiologically acceptable salts. The term pharmaceutically acceptable salts includes salts formed with inorganic and/or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, nitrous acid, sulphuric acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, salicylic acid, saccharin and sulfonic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid and benzenesulfonic acid. Some of the acids listed above are di- or tri-acids, i.e. acids containing two or three acidic hydrogens, such as phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, fumaric acid and maleic acid. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is formed with hydrochloric acid

Additional examples of useful acids and bases to form pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be found e.g. in Stahl and Wermuth (Eds) “Handbook of Pharmaceutical salts. Properties, selection, and use”, Wiley-VCH, 2008.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have found an improved process for producing delmopinol, 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol starting from 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene. The inventors found that the compound 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene, wherein halo is bromo, chloro or iodo, preferably 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, constitutes a good starting material for the manufacturing of delmopinol.

In a known industrially applicable process for the manufacture of delmopinol 1-halo-4-propylheptane is prepared by halogenation of 4-propylheptan-1-ol (WO 2007/057681). However, the synthesis of the intermediate 4-propylheptan-1-ol has some disadvantages, as described in the background section, which affects the overall yield and quality of delmopinol.

The process of the present invention is depicted in scheme 1 below. By this process delmopinol is synthesized in fewer steps than by the process described in WO 2007/057681. Furthermore, the starting material 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene can be produced through a more convenient process than 1-halo-4-propylheptane. Especially when using 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, the Grignard reaction provides a better yield compared to a process using 1-bromo-4-propylheptane. Finally, the subsequent hydrogenation of 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol can be performed under mild conditions affording delmopinol in a high yield and good recovery.

The Grignard reagent of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is reacted with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine to obtain the intermediate 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol, which is then converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation. Optionally, delmopinol obtained as described above may be reacted with an appropriate acid to obtain a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of delmopinol. The manufacturing of oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine has been described e.g. in WO 2007/057681.

The preparation of the Grignard reagent of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene from 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is accomplished using the methods known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable solvents for the Grignard reagent preparation and the coupling with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine include cyclic and acyclic ethers and their mixtures with alkyl or aryl hydrocarbons; preferably the reaction is conducted in an ethereal solvent, more preferably the reaction is conducted in THF (tetrahydrofuran). The coupling of (4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)magnesium halide with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine is conducted at a temperature from −20 to 60° C., preferably from 10 to 30° C. The organomagnesium reagent is used in a ratio from 0.9 to 1.5 equivalents relative to oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine, preferably from 1.0 to 1.3 equivalents.

2-(3-(4-Propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is isolated from the Grignard reaction mixture using the methods known to the person skilled in the art and reduced by catalytic hydrogenation to obtain delmopinol. The hydrogenation can be achieved in a solvent, such as an alcohol, an ether, an ester, a hydrocarbons, an organic acid or a mixture thereof, preferably in an alcohol and even more preferably in methanol. The catalyst is selected among transition metal elements, preferably the catalyst is palladium based. The catalytic hydrogenation is run at a temperature comprised in the range from 20 to 60° C. and a H₂ pressure from 1 to 6 bar.

Delmopinol obtained in the hydrogenation can be purified by any of the methods known to the person skilled in the art e.g. by distillation or acid-base treatment.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of delmopinol obtained by the above process can be prepared by any of the methods known to the person skilled in the art. For example, delmopinol may be reacted with an appropriate acid selected from the acids disclosed above.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to delmopinol directly obtained by the process described above. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to highly pure delmopinol directly obtained by the process described above.

Methods for the preparation of the starting material 1-halo-4-propyl-hept-3-ene has been disclosed in Science 1966, 152, 1516-1517 describing the preparation of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene from heptan-4-one and ethyl bromoacetate in four steps resulting in an overall yield of only 38%. A more straightforward synthesis of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene is described in Tetrahedron Letters 1973, 36, 3459-3462 and in Ukrainskii Khimicheskii Zhurnal 1975, 41, 1068-1070 wherein 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene was synthesized in two steps and obtained in yields of 80% and 64%. The method comprises the acidic rearrangement of cyclopropyl alcohols obtained by reaction of suitable cyclopropanecarbonyl derivative with propylmagnesium bromide. The process is depicted in scheme 2 below.

The inventors have found improved conditions for the manufacturing of the 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene (IV) according to scheme 3.

wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid (HX) or a non-halogenhydric acid.

One way to achieve compound (IV) according to scheme 3 is when H⁺ is a halogenhydric ac-id such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide or hydrogen iodide, preferably hydrogen chloride. A cyclopropanecarbonyl derivative (I) is reacted with a propylmagnesium halide (II) to give 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (III). The alcohol (III) is then treated with a suitable halogenhydric acid to afford the desired 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene (IV).

Suitable cyclopropanecarbonyl derivatives include C₁₋₄alkyl-esters of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, preferably methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate; and cyclopropylcarbonyl halides, preferably cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride.

The organomagnesium reagent (II) of 1-halopropane, where the halogen is chloro, bromo or iodo, preferably 1-bromopropane or 1-chloropropane, is used in a ratio from 2 to 3 equivalents vs. the carbonyl derivative (I), preferably from 2 to 2.3 equivalents. Suitable solvents for the Grignard coupling include a cyclic and an acyclic ether and their mixtures with an alkyl or an aryl hydrocarbon; preferably the reaction is conducted in an ethereal solvent, more preferably the reaction is performed in THF.

4-Cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (III) may be isolated from the reaction mixture prior to further processing, which can be done using methods known to the person skilled in the art, and then further reacted with H⁺ which is a halogenhydric acid HX.

The inventors have found that the transformation of (III) into (IV) can be accomplished using the halogenhydric acid in only smal excess thus limiting unwanted side reactions and the waste and obtaining compound (IV) in high purity suitable for further processing to Delmopinol.

The transformation of (III) into (IV) is achieved using from 1 to 2 equivalents of halogenhydric acid HX relative to the cyclopropylcarbonyl derivative (I), preferably 1.5 eq. The transfor-mation of (III) into (IV) can be accomplished in the presence of an organic solvent such as an ether, a hydrocarbon or an ester or a mixture thereof. Preferably the reaction is run in an ethereal solvent, more preferably the reaction is run in THF. The reaction is conducted at a temperature from 0° C. to reflux until the conversion to 1-halo-propylhept-3-ene is complete.

Another way to achieve 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene (IV) according to reaction scheme 3 is when W is a non-halogenhydric acid such as sulfuric acid, perchloric acid or fluorosulfuric acid.

In a first embodiment, magnesium 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-olate halide, originated from the reaction of the cyclopropylcarbonyl derivative (I) where R is OAlk, and propylmagnesium hal-ide (II), is treated with a non halogenhydric acid such as sulfuric acid, perchloric acid or fluorosulfuric acid, affording directly the desired 1-halo-propylhept-3-ene having the same halogen as the starting propylmagnesium halide (II). Suitable cyclopropanecarbonyl derivatives include C₁₋₄alkyl-esters of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, preferably methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate.

In a second embodiment, when the starting materials are a cyclopropylcarbonyl derivative (I) where R is X′ and a 1-halopropane where X″═X′, such treatment with a non halogenhydric acid such as sulfuric acid, perchloric acid or fluorosulfuric acid gives directly 1-halopropylhept-3-ene where the halo X is the same as in the starting materials i.e. X═X′═X″. Preferably X═X′═X″ is Cl.

The inventors have found that the transformation can be accomplished using the non halogenhydric acid in only smal excess thus limiting unwanted side reactions and the wastes and obtaining compound (IV) in a high purity suitable for further processing to delmopinol. The transformation using a non halogenhydric acid is obtained using from 1 to 2.5 mol of acid per mol of 1-halopropane, preferably from 1 to 2.

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising delmopinol obtained by the process of the invention. The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier and/or diluent. Methods for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions such as liquid pharmaceutical compositions are well known in the art. See, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005).

The pharmaceutical composition can be for human use or for veterinary use. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising delmopinol obtained according to the present invention are intended for local administration in the oral cavity.

The pharmaceutical composition for human use is preferably a liquid composition comprising delmopinol in a therapeutically effective amount, preferably as delmopinol HCl. The pharmaceutical composition can for example be a mouth wash product or a toothpaste. It is envisaged that a pharmaceutical composition for human use comprising delmopinol obtained by a process of the invention may be used for treatment of oral diseases such as gingivitis or for prevention of plaque formation. In one embodiment, the composition may be used for general oral hygiene. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition for human use comprising delmopinol obtained by the process of the invention is a liquid composition comprising delmopinol HCl in a concentration of 1-5%, such as about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% or 5%, preferably about 2%. Said pharmaceutical composition is preferably a mouth wash product or a toothpaste.

Pharmaceutical compositions for veterinary use comprising delmopinol have been described in WO 2007/099302. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition for veterinary use is an animal chew wherein the term chew is given its normal meaning in the art and refers to any toy, accessory or foodstuff that is intended for chewing or gnawing by an animal (WO 2007/099302. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition for veterinary use is for use in the treatment of a pet such as a cat or a dog, most preferably a dog. Further variations of compo-sitions for veterinary use comprising delmopinol have been disclosed in WO 2007/099302 which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a mouth wash product or a toothpaste comprising delmopinol obtained by the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to an animal chew comprising delmopinol obtained by the process of the invention. In a particular embodiment, said animal chew is for use in the treatment of a dog.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to delmopinol obtained by the process of the invention for use in the treatment oral diseases such as gingivitis, or for prevention of plaque formation.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount sufficient to alleviate, arrest, partly arrest or delay progress of the clinical manifestations of a given disease and its complications in a therapeutic intervention comprising the administration of said compound. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as “therapeutically effective amount”. It will be understood that determining an appropriate dosage may be achieved using routine experimentation, by constructing a matrix of values and testing different points in the matrix, which is all within the ordinary skills of a trained physician.

In the present context, “treatment” or “treating” is intended to indicate the management and care of a patient for the purpose of alleviating, arresting, partly arresting or delaying progress of the clinical manifestation of the disease. The patient to be treated is preferably a mammal, in particular a human being.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein (to the maximum extent permitted by law), regardless of any separately provided incorporation of particular documents made elsewhere herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, the phrase “the compound” is to be understood as referring to various “compounds” of the invention or particular described aspect, unless otherwise indicated.

The description herein of any aspect or aspect of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having,” “including” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or aspect of the invention that “consists of”, “consists essentially of” or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context).

It should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, implementations and features of the invention mentioned herein may be claimed separately, or in any combination.

EMBODIMENTS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. The first embodiment is denoted E1, the second embodiment is denoted E2 and so forth.

E1. A process for manufacturing of delmopinol, which process comprises the use of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

E2. The process according to embodiment 1, wherein a Grignard reagent of said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is reacted with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine to provide 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol as depicted in the reaction scheme below

E3. The process according to embodiment 2, wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation as depicted in the reaction scheme below

E4. A process for manufacturing of delmopinol, wherein a Grignard reagent of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is reacted with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine to provide 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol as depicted in the reaction scheme below

wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is subsequently converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation as depicted in the reaction scheme below

Optionally followed by reaction with an appropriate acid to achieved a pharmaceutically acceptable slat of delmopinol.

E5. The process according to any of embodiments 2-4, wherein the coupling of (4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)magnesium halide with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine is performed at a temperature in the range of −20 to 60° C., such as in the range of 10 to 30° C.

E6. The process according to any of embodiments 2-5, wherein the Grignard reagent of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is used in a ratio of 0.9 to 1.5 equivalents relative to oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine, such as in a ratio of 1.0 to 1.3 equivalents.

E7. The process according to any of embodiments 3-6, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place in an alcohol such as methanol.

E8. The process according to any of embodiments 3-7, wherein said catalytic hydrogena-tion is performed with a palladium based catalyst.

E9. The process according to any of embodiments 3-8, wherein said catalytic hydrogena-tion takes place at a temperature in the range of 20 to 60° C. and a pressure in the range of 1 to 6 bar.

E10. The process according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene has been prepared according to the process depicted in the reaction scheme below

wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid (HX) or a non-halogenhydric acid.

E11. The process according to embodiment 10, wherein R is —O-methyl.

E12. The process according to any of embodiments 2-11, wherein X is Cl.

E13. The process according to any of embodiments 10 and 12, wherein R is X′ and X′ is Cl.

E14. The process according to any of embodiments 10-13, wherein X″ is Cl or Br.

E15. The process according to any of embodiments 10-14, wherein 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (III) is isolated from the reaction mixture prior to further processing and W is a halogenhy-dric acid.

E16. The process according to any of embodiments 10-15, wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid selected from hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide.

E17. The process according to embodiment 16, wherein H⁺ is hydrogen chloride.

E18. The process according to any of embodiments 10-17, wherein (I) is selected from methylcyclopropane carboxylate and cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride.

E19. The process according to any of embodiments 10-18, wherein the transformation of (III) into (IV) is achieved using from 1 to 2 equivalents of halogenhydric acid HX relative to the cy-clopropanecarbonyl derivative (I), preferably about 1.5 equivalents.

E20. The process according to any of embodiments 10-19, wherein the transformation of (III) into (IV) takes place in an organic solvent such as an ether, a hydrocarbon or an ester or a mixture thereof.

E21. The process according to any of embodiments 10-20, wherein the transformation of (III) into (IV) takes place in THF.

E22. The process according to any of embodiments 10-21, wherein the transformation of (III) into (IV) takes place at a temperature in the range of 0° C. to reflux.

E23. The process according to any of embodiments 10-14, wherein 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (III) is not isolated from the reaction mixture prior to further processing, and wherein H⁺ is a nonhalogenhydric acid.

E24. The process according to any of embodiments 10-23, wherein (II) is used in a ratio in the range of 2 to 3 equivalents relative to (I) such as in a ratio in the range of 2.0 to 2.3 equiv-alents.

E25. The process according to any of embodiments 10-24, wherein the Grignard coupling between compound (I) and compound (II) is performed in THF.

E26. The process according to any of embodiments 23-25, wherein R=OAlk, and wherein the mixture of cyclopropanecarboxylic ester (I) and propylmagnesium halide (II) is treated with a non halogenhydric acid obtaining a 1-halo-propylhept-3-ene having the same halogen as the starting propylmagnesium halide (II).

E27. The process according to any of embodiments 23-25, wherein R═X′, and wherein X′═X″, and wherein the mixture of a cyclopropanecarbonyl halide (I) and propylmagnesium halide (II) is treated with a non halogenhydric acid obtaining 1-halopropylhept-3-ene having the same halogen as (I) and (II).

E28. The process according to any of embodiments 10-14 and 23-27, wherein H⁺ is a nonhalogenhydric acid such as sulfuric acid, perchloric acid or fluorosulfuric acid.

E29. The process according to any of embodiments 23-28 wherein said non-halogenhydric acid is used in a ratio of 1 to 2.5 mol of acid per mol of 1-halopropane, preferably from 1 to 2.

E30. A process for manufacturing of delmopinol, which process comprises the use of 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol.

E31. The process according to embodiment 30, wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation as depicted in the reaction scheme below

E32. The process according to embodiment 31, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place in an alcohol such as methanol.

E33. The process according to any of embodiments 31-32, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation is performed with a palladium based catalyst.

E34. The process according to any of embodiments 31-33, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place at a temperature in the range of 20 to 60° C. and a H₂ pressure in the range of 1 to 6 bar.

E35. The process according to any of embodiments 1-34, wherein said delmopinol obtained is further reacted with HCl to obtain delmopinol in the form of a hydrochloride salt.

E36. The process according to embodiment 35, wherein said delmopinol is obtained in a purity of at least 98.5% such as at least 99.0%, such as at least 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8 or 99.9% (A % (GC method 2)).

E37. Delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36.

E38. Delmopinol according to embodiment 37, wherein said delmopinol is in the form of a hydrochloride salt and is obtained in a purity of at least 98.5% such as at least 99.0%, such as at least 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8 or 99.9% (A % (GC method 2)).

E39. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36.

E40. The pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 39, wherein said pharma-ceutical composition is for human use.

E41. The pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 40, wherein said pharma-ceutical composition is for veterinary use.

E42. The pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 40, wherein said pharmaceutical composition is a mouth wash product or a toothpaste.

E43. The pharmaceutical composition according to embodiment 41, wherein said pharma-ceutical composition is an animal chew.

E44. A mouth wash product or a toothpaste comprising delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36.

E45. An animal chew comprising delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36.

E46. Delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36 for use in the treatment of an oral disease such as gingivitis, or for prevention of plaque formation.

E47. A method of the treatment of an oral disease such as gingivitis, or for prevention of plaque formation, which method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36.

E48. Use of delmopinol obtained from the process according to any of embodiments 1-36 in the manufacturing of a medicament for use in the treatment of an oral disease such as gingivitis, or for prevention of plaque formation.

E49. The compound 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene

E50. The compound 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene

E51. The compound 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol

E52. The compound according to embodiment 51, wherein said compound is obtained by reacting a Grignard reagent of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine.

E53. The compound according to embodiment 52, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is selected from 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene, 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene and 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

E54. The compound according to embodiment 53, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is 1-chloro-4-propyl hept-3-ene.

E55. The compound according to embodiment 54, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

E56. The use of the compound according to any of embodiments 49-55 in a process for the manufacturing of delmopinol.

E57. The use of the compound 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene in a process for the manufacturing of delmopinol.

E58. The use according to embodiment 57, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene.

E59. The use according to embodiment 57, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

E60. The use according to embodiment 57, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is 1-iodo-4-propylhept-3-ene.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Gas Liquid Chromatography (GC) GC Method 1

Column Restek Rtx-5 amine; 30 m, I.D.: 250 μm, F.T.: 0.5 μm (or equivalent) Oven temperature 110° C. for 0 minutes 5° C./min ramp to 200° C. 10° C./min ramp to 315° C. 300° C. for 10 minutes Carrier Helium @ 1.0 ml/min Injector temperature 290° C. (split mode) Split ratio 20:1 Detector FID @300° C. Gas to detector Air (400 ml/min) H2 (40 ml/min) Make-up: N2 (20 ml/min) Injection volume 1.0 μl Run Time 39.5 minutes

GC Method 2

Column DB-WAX; 30 m, I.D.: 530 μm, F.T.: 1.0 μm Oven temperature 100° C. for 5 minutes 5° C./min ramp to 240° C. 240° C. for 15 minutes Carrier Helium @ 8.0 ml/min Injector temperature 250° C. (split mode) Split ratio 5:1 Detector FID @290° C. Gas to detector Air (400 ml/min) H2 (40 ml/min) Make-up: N2 (20 ml/min) Injection volume 1.0 μl Run Time 48 minutes

Potentiometric Titration

Potentiometric titration was carried out in glacial acid using 0.1N HClO₄ as titrant

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

¹H-NMR spectrum was recorded at 20° C. on a Bruker Avance 300, operating at 300 MHz for ¹H. Chemical shifts were reported relative to residual deuterated solvent peaks.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-ol

In a 1 l reactor magnesium (52.9 g) and THF (162 ml) were charged. A solution of 1-bromopropane (270.3 g) in THF (541 ml) was prepared in a separate vessel. An aliquot of 15 g of that solution was added to the magnesium observing the initiation of the reaction. The remaining amount of solution was added over 30 minutes. The mixture was refluxed for 3 hours and at the end was cooled to 20-25° C. A solution of methylcyclopropane carboxylate (100 g) in THF (30 ml) was added to the above n-propylmagnesium bromide in THF over 2.5 hours while keeping the temperature in the range 24-28° C. The mixture was further stirred for 5.5 hours and was cooled to 0° C. and poured into a solution of ammonium chloride (153 g) in water (612 ml) at T<20° C. The mixture was treated with glacial acetic acid (100 ml) and water (100 ml) and filtered. The layers were separated and the upper layer was concentrated to residue affording 4-cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (150 g) as an oil. Yield 91%, purity 95.0% A (GC method 1).

Example 2 Preparation of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene

To a mixture of magnesium turnings (kg 10.6) and THF (kg 30.2) at T=40-45° C. a solution of 1-bromopropane (kg 54.1) in THF (kg 100.6) was added. The mixture was maintained at reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to 25° C. A solution of methylcyclopropanecarboxylate (kg 20) in THF (kg 5.2) was dosed over 4 hours to the solution of n-propylmagnesium bromide in THF at T=24-28° C. The dosing vessel was rinsed with THF (5.2 kg). The mixture was stirred at T=24-28° C. for 4 hours and was poured into a solution of ammonium chloride (kg 32) in water (kg 224) keeping the temperature below 20° C. After washing the feed line with THF (kg 17.8) the mixture was treated with glacial acetic acid (kg 21).

The mixture was heated to 35° C. and the water layer was separated. The organic solution was concentrated to a final volume of about 90 l. To this solution was added HCl 37% (kg 28.4) at a temperature below 30° C. The mixture was heated to 40° C. for 10 hours and was cooled to T=20-25° C. and diluted with toluene (kg 26). The layers were settled and the water layer was separated. The organic solution was washed with water (kg 30) and with a solution of sodium bicarbonate in water (0.5 kg in 30 kg of water). The solvent was removed obtaining an oil which was distilled under vacuum affording 25.6 Kg of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene. Yield 69%, Purity 94.2% A (GC method 1). ¹HNMR (dmso-d6): δ=0.84 (t, 3H, CH₃), 0.86 (t, 3H, CH₃), 1.36 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.94 (t, 2H, CH₂), 1.96 (t, 2H, CH₂), 2.43 (q, 2H, CH₂), 3.58 (t, 2H, CH₂Cl), 5.13 (t, 1H, CH).

Example 3 Preparation of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene

A mixture of magnesium (98.06 g) and THF (192 ml) was heated to 40-45° C. A solution of 1-chloropropane (320 g) in THF (640 ml) was added dropwise at T=50-55° C. over 3.5 hours. The mixture was subsequently heated to reflux for two hours and then cooled to 20° C. To n-propylmagnesium chloride a solution of cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride (193.6 g) in THF (194 ml) was charged over 6.5 hours while keeping T=20-25° C. During the addition the mixture was diluted with THF (300 ml). The mixture was stirred for 18 hours and was added to H₂SO₄36% (1155 g) over three hours maintaining the temperature in the range T=25-30° C. After stirring at the same temperature for 10 hours, the mixture was diluted with toluene (280 ml) and water (500 ml). The organic phase was separated and the aqueous layer was treated with toluene (300 ml). To the collected organic layers were added water (500 ml) and sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was separated and concentrated to residue. The oil was purified by distillation at T=72-90° C. and P=1-2 mbar yielding 210 g of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene. Yield 65%, purity 95.9% A (GC method 1).

Example 4 Preparation of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene

To a mixture of magnesium turnings (24.9 g) and THF (77 ml) was added a solution of 1-bromopropane (130 g) in THF (275 ml) while the temperature increased up to reflux. When the addition was complete the mixture was maintained at reflux for one hour and was cooled to T=20° C. To n-propylmagnesium bromide in THF a solution of methylcyclopropanecarboxylate (48.1 g) in THF (48 ml) was added over 3 hours. The dosing vessel was washed with THF (20 ml). The resulting mixture was quenched into H₂SO₄ 36% (575 g) at T=0-5° C. After diluting with THF (40 ml) the temperature was raised to 20° C. and the mixture was further diluted with toluene (140 ml). The upper layer was separated and the bottom layer was treated with toluene (200 ml) and water (100 ml). The water layer was further diluted with water (150 ml) and extracted with toluene (100 ml). The organic layers were collected and washed with NaHCO₃ 5% in water (250 ml) and concentrated to residue yielding 84.2 g of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene. Yield 76%, purity 94.7% A (GC method 1)

Example 5 Preparation of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene

4-Cyclopropylheptan-4-ol (25 g) obtained following the procedure reported in Example 1 was mixed with HBr 48% (40.4 g). The mixture was heated to 40° C. and after seven hours further HBr 48% (13.5 g) was added. Further stirring at 40° C. completed the formation of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene. The mixture was diluted with toluene (50 ml), the organic layer was separated, washed with water (50 ml) and NaHCO₃ 5% aqueous solution (25 ml). The organic solution was concentrated to residue obtaining 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene (32.4 g, yield 87%, purity 94.5% A, GC method 1).

Example 6 Purification of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene

1-Chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene obtained by treating a solution of cyclopropylheptan-4-ol in THF with hydrochloric acid, followed by extraction with toluene and washing with aqueous NaHCO₃ was purified by distillation at T=65° C. and P=8 mbar obtaining the target compound with purity of 97.0% A (GC method 1).

Example 7 Purification of 1-bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene

1-Bromo-4-propylhept-3-ene, obtained by treating the mixture obtained from the reaction of propylmagnesium bromide with methylcyclopropane carboxylate with hydrobromic acid, was purified by fractional distillation at T=80° C. and P=28 mbar obtaining the target compound with purity of 96.0% A (GC method 1).

Example 8 Preparation of 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol

To a mixture of magnesium (14.2 g) and THF (46 ml) heated up to T=45-50° C. was added 1-bromoethane (0.3 g) to initiate the reaction. A solution of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene (100 g) in THF (116 ml) was added over 1 hour at T=50-55° C. The mixture was refluxed for two hours and cooled to T=20° C. obtaining (4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)magnesium chloride.

To the Grignard reagent of 1-chloro-4-propylhept-3-ene a solution of oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine (73.8 g) in THF (277 ml) was added over one hour while keeping the temperature at T=20-25° C. The mixture was further stirred for 30 minutes and poured into a solution of ammonium chloride (40 g) in water (280 ml). After addition of glacial acetic acid (35 ml) the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was back-extracted with toluene (200 ml). The organic solution were collected and concentrated under vacuum yielding 122 g of 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (purity 80.6% A, (GC method 2), assay 78.8% w/w, yield 62%). ¹HNMR (dmso-d6): 6=0.84 (t, 3H, CH₃), 0.86 (t, 3H, CH₃), 1.26-1.56 (m, 6H, CH₂), 1.78-2.10 (m, 6H, CH₂), 2.16-2.38 (m, 3H, CH+CH₂), 2.64-2.80 (m, 2H, CH₂), 3.26 (dd, 1H, CH₂), 3.42-3.51 (m, 3H, CH₂), 3.56-3.65 (m, 2H, CH₂), 4.33 (s, 1H, OH), 5.08 (t, 1H, CH).

Example 9 Preparation of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol

A mixture of 2-(3-(4-Propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (480 g, purity 76.7% A, GC assay 77.2% w/w) obtained according to Example 8, methanol (2400 ml) and Pd/C 5% (30 g) was hydrogenated at T=40° C. and P=5 bar until complete conversion of the starting material. The catalyst was then filtered and washed with methanol (200 ml). The solution was concentrated to residue obtaining 387.3 g of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (purity 91.3% A, (GC method 2)).

Example 10 Purification of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol

2-(3-(4-Propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (387 g) obtained in the previous example was purified by distillation at T=160-190° C. and P=0.026 mbar yielding 323 g of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol as colorless oil (purity 96.4% A, (GC method 2)).

Example 11 Preparation of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol hydrochloride

Purified 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol (100 g) obtained in the previous example was dissolved in isopropyl acetate (327 ml) and cooled to 0° C. Hydrogen chloride was fed at the same temperature. The precipitation was initiated by seeding. The solid was filtered, washed with isopropyl acetate and dried under vacuum at T=50° C. yielding 95.7 g of 2-(3-(4-propylheptyl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol hydrochloride (purity 99.85% A, (GC method 2), yield 84%). 

1. A process for the manufacturing of delmopinol, which process comprises the use of 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene.
 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein a Grignard reagent prepared from said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is reacted with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine to provide 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol


3. The process according to claim 2, wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation


4. A process for the manufacturing of delmopinol, wherein a Grignard reagent prepared from 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is reacted with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine to provide 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol

wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is subsequently converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation

optionally followed by reaction with an appropriate acid to achieve a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of delmopinol.
 5. The process according to claim 2, wherein the reacting of (4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)magnesium halide with oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine is performed at a temperature in the range of −20 to 60° C.
 6. The process according to claim 2, wherein the Grignard reagent prepared from 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene is used in a ratio of 0.9 to 1.5 equivalents relative to oxazolidin[2,3-c]morpholine.
 7. The process according to claim 1, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene has been prepared according to the process depicted in the reaction scheme below

wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid (HX) or a non-halogenhydric acid.
 8. A process for manufacturing of delmopinol, which process comprises the use of 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol.
 9. The process according to claim 8, wherein said 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol is converted to delmopinol by catalytic hydrogenation


10. The process according to claim 4, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place in an alcohol.
 11. The process according to claim 4, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation is performed with a palladium based catalyst.
 12. The process according to claim 4, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place at a temperature in the range of 20 to 60° C. and a H₂ pressure in the range of 1 to 6 bar.
 13. The process according to claim 4, wherein said delmopinol obtained is further reacted with HCl to obtain delmopinol in the form of a hydrochloride salt.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. The compound 2-(3-(4-propylhept-3-en-1-yl)morpholino)ethan-1-ol


17. The process according to claim 2, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene has been prepared according to the process depicted in the reaction scheme below

wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid (HX) or a non-halogenhydric acid.
 18. The process according to claim 4, wherein said 1-halo-4-propylhept-3-ene has been prepared according to the process depicted in the reaction scheme below

wherein H⁺ is a halogenhydric acid (HX) or a non-halogenhydric acid.
 19. The process according to claim 3, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place in an alcohol.
 20. The process according to claim 3, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation is performed with a palladium based catalyst.
 21. The process according to claim 3, wherein said catalytic hydrogenation takes place at a temperature in the range of 20 to 60° C. and a H₂ pressure in the range of 1 to 6 bar.
 22. The process according to claim 1, wherein said delmopinol obtained is further reacted with HCl to obtain delmopinol in the form of a hydrochloride salt. 